Fairchild runway construction progressing well

Published April 6, 2011
By Scott King
92nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. -- It's been two months now since the base's runway underwent construction and so far, everything is on schedule.

The construction of the runway is necessary because it had exceeded its useful life - normally 25 years. The 50-year old runway is being replaced over the coming months in a 42.8 million dollar construction contract.

"The project is on schedule and coming along as planned," said Mr. Wayne Musselwhite, 92nd Civil Engineering Squadron chief of construction management. "It's been a very active time with all the demolition taking place, and will be getting busier next month when concrete placing begins."

Logistically speaking, more than 40 companies are working out on the runway to make the project come to fruition.

The existing concrete is being crushed and stockpiled for future recycling as well as being hauled off-site. Tying of rebar is in progress for the future building foundations. A concrete batch plant is being constructed to produce new concrete on site. Work also continues with the new lighting system to include approach, taxiway and tarmac lighting, not to mention dozens of other activities happening simultaneously.

"We're doing some pretty cool things," Mr. Musselwhite said. "We're recycling asphalt and concrete for use in different areas of the new runway and tarmac - saving taxpayer money and being environmentally conscious. Also, the new runway is the same length as the old, 13,899 feet but the new runway pavement will be 50 feet narrower, which in the long run will save on future maintenance costs."

As with any project this large, there are issues that come up. With all the recent rain, standing water has become an obstacle to work around as well as general logistical issues considering there are so many companies involved.

"Overcoming obstacles is something we do here in CE," Mr. Musselwhite said. "Yes, this is an extremely large undertaking, but with perseverance and teamwork between the base and contractors, we are steadily making progress, and this will no doubt be a much more user-friendly runway when all is said and done."

Base leadership is looking forward to the new runway being completed on time.

"This is one of the larger projects I've been involved with in my 23-year career," said Col. Paul Guemmer, 92nd Air Refueling Wing commander. "Since January, we've been operating our tankers out of three locations supporting numerous contingency and humanitarian efforts along the way. Although this has been challenging because of runway construction, Team Fairchild has 'showed its colors' by stepping up and meeting any challenges thrown our way. This new runway will allow us to come back home and get back to normal - although ops tempo these days and times are far from normal."